Christmas is a period of reflection and a season to count our blessings. It’s a time to draw closer in our faith and remember Jesus’ love to help others. You are one of Morning Star’s blessings. You continue to stand up for Life by loving and supporting mothers who find themselves facing unplanned pregnancies and who are struggling with their decisions.
Morning Star’s patient advocates and medical staff are here for so many young girls and women who have experienced trauma in their lives, girls like Charlotte…
Charlotte* ran away from home at age 11… and was sex trafficked. At 15 years old, she got in trouble with the law. She was eventually released and placed into the care of an aunt. As Charlotte struggled to deal with the trauma she had endured, she also wrestled with going back to school and attending classes. She couldn’t pretend that nothing had happened and that her life was “normal.” Charlotte desperately looked for acceptance and love—and at 16, she got pregnant.
When Charlotte’s aunt found out about the pregnancy, she immediately called Morning Star to set up an appointment and provide background information on Charlotte’s situation. Morning Star’s staff met Charlotte’s needs—physically, mentally and emotionally. Our patient advocate gave her the extra time she needed during counseling so Charlotte’s anxiety lessened and she became more open and comfortable speaking about her current situation. When Charlotte became agitated and demonstrated physical symptoms of anxiety upon seeing her baby during the ultrasound, our sonographer took the time to reassure her, answered her questions in a calming manner and directed her focus on the present, instead of past traumatic experiences.
Our medical team also provided STD testing to ensure Charlotte’s health was safeguarded and educated her on the different STDs, gently discussing ways to value herself and her body.
Morning Star’s patient advocate concluded the pregnancy appointment by sharing resources that would be available to Charlotte if she chose adoption or parenting: She wouldn’t be alone.
Although Charlotte had experienced so much devastation in her 16 years of life, she chose to continue her pregnancy—Charlotte chose LIFE! Her aunt was willing to continue providing a home for Charlotte, as well as her new baby, and Morning Star will continue to support Charlotte with parenting classes and baby supplies.
Morning Star is able to provide Life-affirming pregnancy medical services at no cost. Many women come to us because they can’t afford an ultrasound or STD testing and treatment. These moms also want to talk to someone about their situation and gather information on all their options so they can make an informed decision.
Moms are supported after their babies are born. Moms can receive baby clothing and supplies when they can’t afford to clothe and take care of their babies. And so many of the moms who come through our doors haven’t had role models. Morning Star’s Live Connected classes are giving them education on relationship and parenting skills and how to create a budget and save for their future.
By the end of the year, Morning Star needs to raise $154,000 to support all of the services we provide these moms on a daily basis. We must meet this goal to keep our three clinics in operation while facing an annual budget shortfall of $100,000 due to the defunding of Real Alternatives. Your support is essential to continue providing free Life-affirming services to moms, dads and families in our community.
Partner with Morning Star to be a voice for the unborn and save a mother from the heartache of abortion.
A gift of $410.70 will provide one initial pregnancy services appointment, which includes non-judgmental counseling, a medical grade pregnancy test, an ultrasound and STD testing. Or monthly support of $68.46 will provide two client visits for two women who want or are considering abortion.
A gift of $1,000 in honor of a loved one this Christmas season will help us reach our end-of-year goal of $154,000 to meet our operational budget.
A legacy gift of $5,000, $10,000 or more will help Morning Star reduce our budget shortfall due to the defunding of Real Alternatives, which supported families with baby supplies, counseling and educational classes.
It is a privilege to partner with you, day in and day out, loving these women as Jesus loves us. We thank you in advance for your compassion and generosity in supporting this ministry honoring Life.
*Name changed to protect confidentiality.
